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Christmas Tablecloths Set Vintage Christmas Decoration Style

  • Posted on November 24, 2009 at 3:16 pm


One of the fastest, simplest, and least costly ways to set a vintage holiday decorating theme is with Christmas tablecloths. The holidays are a time of feasts, and the family table takes on a whole new importance during the festive season. Between holiday meals the table is one of the natural focal points of any home, and how you dress it can go a long way toward solidly establishing a theme of vintage Christmas decorations. Making sure your table covering is a good match for your overall theme is super important. Use the following tips to choose the covering that best matches your theme. Victorian: Go for the look of formal luxury. A silky, shiny floor length cloth is an excellent starting point. If you happen to be the lucky owner of an antique silk brocade, this is the time to use it! But if you’re not, you’ll find dozens of super-inexpensive “lookalikes” in any discount store. Deep jewel tones like burgundy or a dark, rich green or purple will blend beautifully with a Victorian theme, but using a white, cream, or ecru cloth will work too. Multiple layers fabric are typical of the era, so don’t stop with the basic covering. Adding more fabrics is a great way to introduce more color, and there are plenty of options:- add an over-cloth of lace, tulle, or any sheer fabric. Look for inexpensive lace cloths in discount stores, and remember that you can buy tulle, lace, etc. by the yard in a fabric store. – go with a spectacular table runner. A richly decorated or vibrantly colored table runner can really add to the period look. Plain runners from discount stores cost only a few dollars, and with a hot glue gun and some fancy braids and trims, they can quickly be dressed up for the ultimate Victorian look. Rustic: Think sturdy, sensible, and handmade when you’re chosing a Christmas tablecloth to compliment a rustic decorating theme. -Heavy cottons, bright gingham or calico, and even burlap can all work beautifully as tablecoverings for a rustic theme. – Multiple layers work with a rustic theme, so use table runners or placements as a way to add color. Try mixing fabrics; a red and green plaid with a poinsettia print, for example. – Avoid metalics, beading, etc. For decoration stick to brightly colored braids, rick rack, or simple embroidery. Retro: Clear, bright colors and bold, simple graphics are the hallmarks of retro decorating, so look for classic fifties Christmas colors like white with apple green and fire engine red. – During the postwar period the concept of streamlining was a big part of design, so don’t go too far with the multi-layer look. Instead, go with a table covering that features a prominent all-over design or a big, bright border print. – Keep table settings and embellishments simple. – Look for prints that feature Santa, snowmen, etc. or simple graphics like bells, poinsettias, candles, etc.

Where Can I Find Vintage Patterns for Making Christmas Ornaments?

  • Posted on November 23, 2009 at 10:14 am

Vintage Engagement Rings Advantages of Choosing Vintage Engagement Rings

  • Posted on November 23, 2009 at 2:13 am


Vintage engagement rings are precious heirlooms that can be passed on to future generations. These are symbols of commitment of two folks who guaranteed one another to be together thru good times and bad. They’re considered ‘eternity’ rings to show the promises taken are forever. Vintage engagement rings are unique and usually sentimental symbols of religion, true love, fidelity, guarantee and commitment. Vintage engagement rings are perfect for those that love things that are old and antique. They can either be authentic antique rings or rings that were designed to look old, but they cannot look new or modern. There are different kinds of vintage engagement rings and here are 3 of the most well-liked types. Victorian engagement rings One of the rarest vintage engagement rings is the Victorian engagement ring. Victorian engagement rings are those that were made between 1837 and 1901 when diamonds were commonly used in engagement rings. They were made of yellow gold or silver with diamonds, rubies or sapphires. Edwardian engagement rings Edwardian engagement rings existed between the years of 1901 to 1920. These rings were made of platinum, instead of gold. Rather than diamonds, sapphires were used as the main gemstone. Diamonds were just used as side-stones. Art Deco engagement rings Art Deco engagement rings are geometrically shaped rings covered with diamonds. These rings were often made of platinum and were designed with an odd, boxy look. They were also set with diamonds and other colourful stones. Art Deco engagement rings existed between 1920 and 1930. Not everyone likes vintage engagement rings, especially those who are very modern. [**] these rings have tons of benefits to offer and these are some reasons why. Vintage engagement rings can be used as heirlooms. Most vintage engagement rings are precious heirlooms that have been passed down for generations. They have that classic beauty and elegance. Vintage engagement rings often have sentimental values, which new and modern rings cannot offer. They are attached with stories, custom and history. Compared to new and modern rings, vintage engagement rings are far more unique. These rings have strange and unique designs. And such unique style makes them really stand out above the rest. Some were designed with a cruelly geometric and symmetrical theme, while others were made with stones that have bold colors. There are those with big construction of metals and stones. There are vintage engagement rings with immaculate designs and are positively shocking. Vintage engagement rings are more cost effective than new and modern engagement rings, but , they have the same quality as the new ones. Vintage engagement rings have passed the test of time, which implies they are proved powerful and sturdy. This is critical, especially if they are supposed to be passed on to the following generations. When attempting to find vintage engagement rings, you have to be well informed about them so as not to be conned. Look for vintage engagement rings in reputable antique stores or dealers. Do not be cheated by sneaky sellers whose jobs are to get the buyers pay hundreds of bucks for a fake or valueless vintage engagement ring. ensure that the ring is certified vintage. You can go to a gemologist and ask for certified info on the ring’s size, age, clarity, color, and size. Check the stones for cracks. If the stones on the vintage engagement ring are diamonds, then you will not have any problem as diamonds are the hardest of all gemstones. Other gemstones, including pearls, are loads more fragile, so it is really crucial to check for cracks. if you are trying to find vintage diamond engagement rings and you are on a small proscribed tight budget, there are those that have smaller diamonds, which, naturally, cost less. But if you’d like a smaller diamond that looks larger, search for the ones made in the 1930’s. These were ornamentally adorned with carvings that made the stones look much larger.

Christmas Folk Art: Vintage Christmas Decorations With Warmth, Natural Beauty, and Elegant Simplicity

  • Posted on November 22, 2009 at 10:11 pm


If warmth, natural beauty, and elegant simplicity are your idea of the perfect holiday decor, vintage Christmas decorations based on Christmas folk art are for you. Made by hand and cherished for generations, these ornaments are as sturdy, uncomplicated, and enduring as the people who created them. Sometimes referred to as “naive art” or “working class art”, folk art is produced by everyday people rather than artists or artisans. Though many excellent reproductions of vintage folk ornaments are now available, the originals were generally handmade by a member of the family and used to decorate the family home. Classic American folk art features simple shapes that are cut, carved, molded or sewn from ordinary inexpensive materials such as wood, paper, clay, tin, and cloth and then embellished, usually with paint or embroidery. In many cases the ornaments were utilitarian as well as decorative, such as woven baskets, painted boxes, and candle holders. The simple shapes and “touchability” of this style of vintage decoration makes it a great choice for homes with young children. But these classic forms also pair beautifully with clean, sleek modern decor and they even make a surprisingly sophisticated addition to trendy industrial style design. Here are some tips for giving your holiday decorations a vintage folk art flair:Think simplicity and restraintUnlike the “more is better”, over-the-top profusion typical of Victorian holiday decoration, naive art is very much a “less is more” proposition. – Rather than arranging a dozen items on the mantel, choose just two or three that have some real meaning to you. – Don’t be afraid of some empty space between your decorations; it’s ok if every surface isn’t sporting some bit of holiday finery. – Forget the glitz. Forgo bright, super-shiny surfaces and anything that’s glaringly artificial. Anything that’s too perfect is totally wrong for this style, which is the epitome of warm and homey. Natural materials and warm, soft colorsDecorations made of wood, fabric, paper, clay, tin, and other everyday materials are the classics of this style. Paired with simple arrangements of greenery, fruit, and candles they create a calm, creative, and welcoming holiday atmosphere. – Try making unexpected combinations. Arrange birch branches, boughs of fir, and dried flowers in a big earthenware jug or galvanized pail, or put a pair of fat candles in the middle of a wooden serving tray and surround them with lemons and magnolia leaves or sprigs of pine. – Homespun fabrics (or fabrics that look homespun) are a great way to add Christmas color. Make a super-simple table runner of a yard or two of muted red and green plaid fabric, or cut strips of fabric to make bows to put in arrangements or on the tree. Highlight your heritage and your handiwork One of the best things about folk art is its that its not only created by every culture everywhere, it’s constantly being created. “Everyday art” that is characteristic of your heritage is an excellent addition to this type of decoration, and it doesn’t even have to be specifically holiday-themed. Creating simple ornaments yourself is also an excellent way to create some lasting traditions in your own family.

Anyone Know a Way to Clean Non-Colorfast Felt on Vintage Christmas Ornaments?

  • Posted on November 21, 2009 at 11:13 pm

I need to clean up some old vintage Pixies. However, they all have at least 2 different colors of felt used to make them, of course it’s all noncolorfast. Is there an easy way to clean them, without having the colors run into each other or doing damage to the felt itself?

Christmas Colors: Use Color to Emphasize Your Vintage Christmas Decorations

  • Posted on November 21, 2009 at 3:17 pm


Christmas Colors: Use Color to Emphasize Your Vintage Christmas DecorationsWhen you think of Christmas colors, do you see bright red and green? Don’t stop there! Using some non-traditional colors can really enhance a vintage Christmas decoration theme. For a Victorian look, think in terms of jewel tones. Intense and vibrant or deep and regal, rich shades of red, blue, green, mustard gold, and purple all work beautifully in period decor. The Victorians loved color and used it everywhere, so don’t be shy. And don’t worry about using colors together! In fact, fabrics with a period-type print like a dark multi-color paisley make a superb addition; try layering them over a tablecloth or draping under an arrangement of greens. Single-color themes can also be very effective. Consider using various shades of reds ranging from dusty pink to deep burgundy, or try the range of purples from pale lilac to deep plum. Pale pastels, though less historically accurate, work very well in Victorian period holiday decor. For a truly dramatic theme dripping with elegance and sophistication, try using only shades of white, ecru, and cream. Highlighted with lush greenery, ropes of craft-store pearls and plenty of both gold and silver tone metallics, an all-white theme can be absolutelty breathtaking. Whatever colors you choose, don’t forget the bling. Shiny metalic trims, delicate filigree ornaments, gilt ribbons, strings of gold craft beads, you name it – if it ads glitter and shine, it can be a great accent in a Victorian-themed decor. To establish a rustic decorating theme, look for natural tones: the warm hues of wood, the the deep green of fir and pine, vibrant apple and cranberry reds, and the gold of a crackling fire. Neutral fabrics like linen or even burlap make a great foundation for simple arrangements of greens, fruit, and candles. But a cheery red or green gingham check can be a great accent, perhaps topped with a basket of fragrant pine cones. Keep metalics to a minimum for authentic rustic style, but a few gleaming brass or pewter accents are great. If a retro Christmas is your style, color is key and the brighter, the better! The authentic holidays prints of the postwar period features bright, intense reds and greens in bold graphic prints. For a real fifties vintage look, don’t go over the top with metalics, but add plenty of sparkle with shiny glass ornaments and strands of silver tinsel. And big, bright multi-color lights are guaranteed to give a retro style to your tree. However if sixties chic is what you crave, get creative with color. Go for clear, bright tones, and don’t stop with red and green. Yellow, lime, turquoise, and magenta can be part of your theme, and don’t forget to accent with white, black, and silver.

Antique and Vintage African Jewelry

  • Posted on November 21, 2009 at 12:14 am


The first stirrings of the human being would surely have been heard in the Dark Continent, that is Africa. The first artistic expressions would also have been exhibited in caves of Africa and similarly the earliest jewelry would have also been African jewelry. Excavations have therefore revealed snail shell beads used as jewelry some 75,000 years ago in Blombos cave of South Africa. Similarly crude bracelets and necklaces made from animal bones, teeth and stone besides ostrich shell beads going back 40,000 years in time have been found in Kenya. It’s confirmed that ancient Egyptians made gold jewelry and used gems crafted from glass. If you study the Equatorial Rain Forest Region there is ample proof to suggest that they traded their ivory and gold for copper, brass, coral and glass beads for crafting museum jewelry. Women to add to their natural swagger and attract the eyes of young men used brass hip ornaments! The Lost Wax Process was used later in the 13th century for making bracelets in Nigeria. The ancient Africans from this region also made use of glass beads as well as beads made from clay for fashioning jewelry. The second region of Africa is the Sahara. This region has been dry from time immemorial and it was difficult for the local people to find anything other than dead animal skins for their jewelry. However, silver cross have been passed down generations in this region. Materials acquired by trade have been crafted in simple and bold geometric designs of museum jewelry. The savannah region is the third region of Africa. In this area the extensive use of copper and brass has been observed. Their women used iron and copper necklaces and simple jewelry of spirals and rings. The online African jewelry comprises of large and intricate hoop earrings. These earrings are long; they carry ancient patterns and dangle from the ears. The necklaces of museum jewelry from Africa are generally made of piles of beads. A set of West African Crescent earrings in gilded silver is most attractive as are the Akuava Fertility Doll earrings in sterling silver.

Christmas Postcards Cavallini Papers Decorative Wrap Vintage Look, 20 by 28 Inches, One

  • Posted on November 19, 2009 at 12:12 pm

  • Archival images from Italy
  • Can be framed or used for Decoupage
  • Crafts, gift wrap, projects
  • Imported from Italy
  • High quality paper and printing

Product Description
20 by 28 inches each. Besides their obvious use for gift wrapping, these paper designs are suitable for bookbinding, creative and artistic paper work such as origami, decoupage, decorating and even framing. Cavallini Papers has been producing high quality images on paper products for over 20 years. Images are taken from various museums and archives throughout the world…. More >>

Christmas Postcards Cavallini Papers Decorative Wrap Vintage Look, 20 by 28 inches, One

VINTAGE CHRISTMAS ORNAMENTS

  • Posted on November 19, 2009 at 11:13 am



Image taken on 2006-09-04 17:01:00 by Zellaby.

10+ Vintage Christmas Display Patterns – Woodworking – Yard Art.

  • Posted on November 18, 2009 at 10:27 am

10+ Patterns For Making Unique Christmas Displays + 3 Bonus Ebooks That Explain Lighting Effects, Animating Displays & How To Enlarge Patterns.

10+ Vintage Christmas Display Patterns – Woodworking – Yard Art.

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